AI could help GPs locate patients at risk of dying from heart problems

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A study has found that artificial intelligence (AI) can help GPs identify patients who are most at risk of developing conditions that can lead to death from heart problems, such as kidney failure and diabetes.

This approach could allow doctors to treat patients earlier, easing pressure on the NHS.

The AI ​​system, known as Optimise, was trained by academics from the University of Leeds using the medical records of more than two million people over the age of 30, spanning 1998-2008.

416,228 people were identified as being at high risk of heart failure, stroke and diabetes.

This group included 74% of patients who died from heart disease.

Dr Ramesh Nadarajah, a health data researcher at the University of Leeds, said: “Heart-related deaths are often caused by a combination of factors.

“This AI uses readily available data to gather new insights that can help healthcare professionals ensure they provide timely care to their patients.”

In an Optimise pilot with 82 high-risk patients, one in five was found to have undiagnosed moderate or high-risk chronic kidney disease.

More than half of the patients with high blood pressure were given other medications to better control their heart risk.

According to researchers, there are plans to conduct a larger clinical trial. They presented their findings at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in London.

Dr Nadarajah added: “We hope that our research will ultimately benefit patients living with cardiovascular disease, and will also ease the pressure on our NHS systems, as prevention is often a cheaper solution than treatment.

“We then plan to conduct a clinical trial where we provide physician-led care to patients.”

Professor Bryan Williams, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at the British Heart Foundation, which funded the research, said: “A quarter of all deaths in the UK are caused by cardiovascular disease and this exciting new study uses the power of ever-evolving AI technology to detect the multitude of conditions that contribute to this.

“Early diagnosis is essential to reduce hospital admissions and heart-related deaths, allowing people to live longer in good health.

“We look forward to seeing how this will accelerate and inform clinical decision-making so patients receive timely and effective treatment and support.”